A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan`s web site have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow text box that resembles the link below and can be found in the right hand rail of the page. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found here:

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

The results of software-based translation do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos, and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

Counsel for Children

The Counsel for Children program may appoint a lawyer (counsel) for children and youth who are involved with the Ministry of Social Services or First Nations Child and Family Services agencies in proceedings under The Child and Family Services Act. Some examples include court proceedings following the apprehension of a child, variation of existing child protection orders, investigations leading to supervision orders, or negotiation of agreements to place the child with a person of sufficient interest.

The objectives of the Counsel for Children program are to:

Ensure a child’s or youth’s voice is heard in child protection proceedings;

Provide timely appointments of counsel;

Establish best practices, supports, and standards for quality legal representation; and

Create a roster of lawyers with expertise and experience in this area of law.

The program can be accessed by court order or by referral. Referrals can be made by a child or youth, a child protection worker, a family member or anyone else who knows the child or youth. These people can make a request for a lawyer by filling out the Application to Request a Lawyer or contacting Children’s Counsel at the number noted above.

In deciding whether to appoint a lawyer, the court or the Counsel for Children is to consider all relevant factors, including:

any difference between the interests or views of the child and the interests or views of the parties to the protection hearing;

the nature of the protection hearing, including the seriousness and complexity of the issues;

the ability of the child to express his or her interests or views; and

the views of the child regarding representation.

The Counsel for Children and the appointed lawyer are entitled to:

obtain disclosure from the parties;

make arguments to the judge;

file documents in a protection hearing;

call witnesses and cross-examine witnesses in a protection hearing; and

have reasonable access to the child or youth client.

Failure to provide information/disclosure or allow access to the child/youth client can result in the Counsel for Children seeking a court order.

The lawyer will generally take instructions from the child or youth, and ensure the child or youth’s voice is heard. There is no age limitation in the legislation on when a child or youth may be eligible for counsel.